Celebrating life and defying the odds: Turning 50 with PH
Turning half a century old is a remarkable milestone! When I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) almost 19 years ago, I was told that I had only three to five years…
Worth the PHight — Jen Cueva
Jen Cueva lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and mini schnauzer, Zoé. Jen worked in nursing before the script changed upon her diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), group 1, in 2005. Advocacy has been essential to her life. Her passion is to instill hope and remind others in the PH community that they are not alone. To do this, she serves as a forum moderator for Pulmonary Hypertension News and in her weekly column she delves into the roller coaster of emotions that accompany PH. It is powerful and meaningful to her to have this opportunity to play a role in helping others become more informed and educated so they are more empowered in their journey. Together, we PHight stronger!
Featured Post
Now, more than ever, we must unite for our future
Recent news headlines have sparked significant concern among those of us in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other rare disease communities. The massive budget and staff cuts across multiple federal agencies are particularly…
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For family caregivers month, recognize the toll as well as the help
“God gave burdens; he also gave shoulders.” — one version of a Yiddish proverb When loved ones become unable to care for themselves, the entire family can go through a heart-wrenching experience.
By keeping a journal, I’ve identified 6 causes of shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). It can have many triggers, and if you’re a patient just starting to learn about PH, you might…
Behind every new treatment for PH are dedicated professionals
If you haven’t heard about the advancements in potential treatments for those of us in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community, hold on to your seats! I recently spoke with a dedicated, well-known…
Why it’s frustrating to be reminded that I’m a high-risk patient
Since my pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, I have been labeled a high-risk patient. Because it’s a rare disease, PH can be challenging to diagnose, treat, and manage. And with several…
Knowing how to manage anxiety is essential in my life with PH
I settled on the couch, the warmth of my cozy, heated vest wrapped around my aching body. But in that moment, even prescription pain medicine failed to bring relief. The clock on my MacBook…
Shed your leaves and let go of what no longer serves you
Fall has always been my favorite season. Unfortunately, San Diego doesn’t quite have the enchanting fall foliage that other places do. Instead of a vibrant cascade of leaves, it’s more like a few scattered…
Ways I help my husband and caregiver prioritize self-care
Did you know? According to the National Institutes of Health, millions of Americans each year selflessly provide unpaid care for loved ones with chronic or severe health conditions like pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Could my brain fog and cognitive decline be linked to my PH?
“How are your focus and concentration? Do you need help to stay engaged while reading, writing your columns, or watching movies?” These were the questions my psychiatrist posed to me during our recent…
Home takes on new meaning when managing a rare disease like PH
What turns a house into a home? My therapist posed this question during a recent session. Initially caught off guard, I found myself pondering its depth. Eventually, I realized it was an exploration worth…
How I use a multifaceted approach to chronic pain management
When the late afternoon rolls around and I’m ready to wind down, my body often has other plans. These moments seem to bring out the worst of my pain, and I find myself…
Instead of staring, please ask me why I use disabled parking
To the lady who glared at me and muttered under her breath as I pulled into a disabled parking spot: Why not approach me and ask me why I parked there? I’d gladly explain…
